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Home By Dessert Type

Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars

★★★★★ 5 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin5/18/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Healthy cherry pie bars
Healthy cherry pie bars

For a great, on the go snack, Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars are a wonderful option. They’re made with rolled oats, maple syrup, and cherries, so you KNOW they’re good!

cherry pie bars

Your new favorite cherry snack

Picture this: It’s Friday afternoon, you’re at work, and the hours are dragging. You feel your body crashing and desperately need a pick-me-up. That’s when you remember that you packed a healthy cherry pie oatmeal bar! The day is saved, and Present You thanks Past You for the snack.

Okay, maybe things aren’t quite that dramatic, but I’ll be honest — these cherry pie bars are an absolute treat. Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and cherries, these bars are a great option for a nutritious, sweet treat. They also double as a breakfast bar, because after all, they do have 4.4 grams of protein each!

This recipe makes 9 delicious bars that are perfect for meal prep or enjoying at work throughout the week.

cherry pie bars on plate

Ingredients in healthy cherry pie oatmeal bars

The ingredients for this recipe are divided into two parts: the dough base, and the cherry filling/center. Each one consists of deliciously sweet ingredients (though we’re only using natural sugar!).

Dough Base

  • Rolled Oats: 1.5 cups of rolled oats will serve as the base layer of the bars.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour: Thicken the dough crust with 1 cup of white whole wheat flour.
  • Salt: Add 1/4 tsp of salt for flavor.
  • Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp of cinnamon will add a yummy, earthy taste.
  • Egg: 1 egg helps all of the dry dough ingredients come together.
  • Maple Syrup: Throw in 1/3 cup of maple syrup for a natural sweet taste.
  • Coconut Oil: Combine everything with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil.
  • Vanilla: Finally, 1 tsp of vanilla brings the dough together!

Cherry Filling

  • Cherries: For the filling, start with a heaping 10oz bag of frozen cherries.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp of lemon juice will add a delicious tarty taste.
  • Maple Syrup: For more natural sweetener, add 3 tbsp of maple syrup.
  • Arrowroot Powder: Last but not least, 2 tsp of arrowroot powder thickens the filling and creates the perfect texture.
making cherry pie bars
making cherry pie bars

Tools used to create cherry bars

To make this recipe you will need two large bowls, an 8×8 pan, parchment paper (or nonstick spray), something to stir, a potato masher (or fork), and a saucepan.

For measuring, you will need 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make homemade cherry pie oatmeal bars

Cherry pie bars come together in hardly any time at all. Just mix, combine, layer, and bake!

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper or nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir the mixture until a dough forms.

Save 3/4 cup of the dough to the side, and press the remaining dough into the bottom of the 8×8 pan. Set the pan aside when finished.

In a saucepan, heat the cherries, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Once the cherries start to release liquid, press them down with a potato masher or fork to break them up.

Add the arrowroot powder and whisk the mixture.

Let the mix simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes and be sure to stir it often. It should thicken up after simmering for a bit.

Pour the sherry mixture over the dough crust and sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of dough on the top.

Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

cherry pie bars

Storing your healthy snack bars

To store extras just let them cool, cut into desired sizes, and place in a container. You can keep them on the counter or refrigerated.

If you want them for snacks throughout the day at work, you could even cut them up into bite size pieces for snacking throughout the day.

Oatmeal bar variations

If you’re like me, you like to spice up your recipes. While the cherries are a crucial part of this recipe, don’t be scared to try out different types of berries to completely change the taste! Blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries would be great!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Satisfy cravings with some of my other hit flavor combos, like berry crumble or pecan pie!

  • Healthy Peanut Butter Crisp Bars
  • Triple Layer Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
  • Berry Crumble Bars (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)
  • Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
  • Paleo Turtle Bars

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photography by Moriah Sawtelle

stack of cherry pie bars
cherry pie bars
★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews

Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars

For a great, on the go snack, Healthy Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars are a wonderful option. They’re made with rolled oats, maple syrup, and cherries, so you KNOW they’re good!

Prep: 20Cook: 40Total: 1 hour
Yield 9 bars 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 10 oz bag frozen cherries
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8×8 with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, salt and cinnamon.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until dough forms.
  5. Save 3/4 cup of the dough off to the side and press the remaining dough into the bottom of 8×8 pan. Set aside.
  6. In a saucepan, heat cherries, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Once cherries start to release liquid press them down with a potato masher or fork to break them up.
  7. Add in arrowroot powder and whisk. The arrowroot will help to thicken the cherries.
  8. Let simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. The mixture should thicken up after simmering on the heat for a little.
  9. Pour cherry mixture over crust dough. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup dough on top.
  10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dessert, dairy-freeMethod: ovenCuisine: American
cherry pie bars

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Emily says

    Posted on 8/20 at 6:58 pm

    Can you freeze these? They look so good I want to make them but I use put my bake goods in the freezer and pull them out in the week or two to share with family and friends.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/21 at 3:16 pm

      Hi Emily, yep, just keep them in an airtight container! Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Ella says

    Posted on 5/18 at 4:51 pm

    Can I use almond flour, instead of whole wheat flour?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/22 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Ella, unfortunately not, sorry!! It won’t come out the same.

      Reply
  3. Sarah F says

    Posted on 2/22 at 8:29 pm

    I have a bag of tart cherries… how would you recommend modifying so they come out sweet enough?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/28 at 2:06 pm

      Hi Sarah, just add a little more sweetener! let me know how they come out!

      Reply
  4. Kristin says

    Posted on 2/20 at 11:56 am

    Hi Erin! Just wondering how much maple syrup gets mixed with the wet ingredients, and how much for the cherries? Do we just split it? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/21 at 9:59 am

      Hi Kristin, in step 3 you mix 1/3 c of maple syrup and step 6 is the 3 tbsp. It is broken out in ingredients section between dough base and cherry filling and then at the bottom in the recipe card too!! Hope this helps!!

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    Posted on 8/15 at 8:12 pm

    I made them with fresh cherries from the farmers market. Turned out absolutely delicious! I had leftover batter (I tripled the recipe) so I did the same thing with peaches from the farmers market too. I haven’t tried it yet but it looks really good.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/16 at 11:33 am

      Hi Katie, so happy you loved them and great idea using fresh cherries and peaches! Yum!!

      Reply
  6. Kellen says

    Posted on 8/10 at 5:26 pm

    Made with freshly picked peaches but still turned out fantastic!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/11 at 12:01 pm

      Hi Kellen, ah what a great idea! So happy you loved them and made them your own!!

      Reply
  7. olivia r says

    Posted on 6/23 at 8:14 am

    can i use cherry preserves from a jar instead of making my own? how much would i need to use?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/23 at 1:10 pm

      Hi Olivia, yes that should be fine, and I would try the same amount. Let me know how the bars come out!

      Reply
  8. Lauren says

    Posted on 6/13 at 8:15 pm

    Took these to a bbq today..they were a huge hit! Topped them with some vanilla Fronen ice cream! Delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 3:09 pm

      Hi Lauren, so glad everyone loved them and GREAT idea!

      Reply
  9. Ally says

    Posted on 6/13 at 10:49 am

    AH-MAZING! I love love love cherry and these are so delicious! I definitely need to double the batch next time!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Ally, so glad you loved them!!

      Reply
    • Danielle says

      Posted on 8/4 at 9:24 pm

      These look delicious! My son is allergic to coconut oil though, can I just substitute with melted vegan butter (the butter we use)?

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 8/5 at 4:47 pm

        Hi Danielle, that should work. I have not tried that sub so let me know how it comes out!

  10. Dasha says

    Posted on 5/18 at 1:50 pm

    Hi!! Super excited to try these for breakfast bars ☺️ I noticed they were tagged as gluten free, but didn’t see which flour would work best. My guess would be oat flour but wanted to check if you had a rec! Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 2:13 pm

      Hi Dasha, thanks and ah my mistake! I tagged them gluten-free by accident. I fixed it, but you can make them gluten-free if you want to use another type of flour like oat! Thanks for catching!

      Reply
  11. Mary Slocum says

    Posted on 5/18 at 12:00 pm

    I’m confused. I always thought whole wheat flour had gluten. Is there a specific type or brand I need to look for?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/19 at 2:12 pm

      Hi Mary, oops! I accidentally checked the gluten-free box, but it should be fixed now. These are not gluten-free. You can definitely make them GF though and sub another type of flour. Thanks for catching!

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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